(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Guardians snapped their 4 game losing streak, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 Wednesday afternoon, coming off back to back loses, losing in gut wrenching fashion, where they missed out on many scoring opportunities throughout the games, and ended up losing both games by 1 one.
The Guardians only scored 2 runs the first two games of the series, losing 3-2, and 1-0, and were desperate for some much needed offense, and have not scored for the previous 13 innings coming before Wednesday’s game.
Once again, Cleveland got a brilliant start from ace Gavin Williams, going 7.2 IP, with 9 strikeouts, as well as picking up the win.
Gavin was rolling all game, staying ahead in counts, and putting hitters away quickly.
Video Credit: Guardians Prospective on X /MLB
Williams was also successful, and able to go deep into the game, because he didn’t allow a single walk, as well as throwing 71 of his 95 pitches for strikes. His control was on point, and he seemed to have a great feel for his whole arsenal.
Cleveland got enough offense to win the game, and yes it was only 3 runs but hey, that’s better than nothing.
Kyle Manzardo put the Guards on the board first, with a sac fly in the 3rd to put Cleveland up 1-0. It was Manzardo’s only productive at-bat of the game, with his over 3 resulting in a strikeout.
Manzardo needs to be sent down to AAA to figure some things out because to start the season, he was just getting unlucky, hitting the ball hard, just right at people, but now, his at-bats aren’t even competitive, with him striking out in majority of his at-bats, looking like a little leaguer at times.
Another solution would be to move him out of the 4th spot if they do not believe he should be sent down because he is killing the Guardians as of right now from an offensive standpoint.
Cleveland made it a 3-0 game in the 5th which felt like it put the game away for how runs in this series have been hard to come across for both teams. Chase DeLauter smacked a 96 MPH fast from Drew Rasmussen up the middle for a 2-run single. It was a great at-bat from Chase, who was patient and got a pitch he liked and didn’t try to do too much.
Video Credit: Guardians Prospective on X /MLB
DeLauter now has 18 RBIs on the season and has broken out of his mini slump he had going on, now batting .257.
Cade Smith closed the door on the Rays, picking up his 7th save already on the season, striking out 2 hitters in the inning.
This was a much needed win for the Guardians who have now lost 3 series in a row and lost possession of first place in the AL Central to those annoying Detroit Tigers.
Cleveland is back at it on Friday night in Vegas with a 3 game weekend series with the Athletics, hoping to get their season back on track with a series win.
LHP Joey Cantillo will get the start for Cleveland, looking to continue his good start to the season.
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